Khartoum says not involved in Darfur rebels’ dissidence
September 13, 2012 (KHARTOUM) — Sudanese state minister Amin Hassan Omer denied accusations that his government was involved in a recent dissidence in Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) but expressed hopes that the rebels join the peace process.
The minister who was the government’s chief negotiator during the two-year process told reporters on Thursday that the peace talks in Doha revealed that most of JEM leaders support peace but few of them at the head of the group were not willing to.
He added that they were aware that splits in the ranks of the rebel movement were only “a matter of time.”
Amin disclosed that the Sudanese government had informed the State of Qatar of its desire to expand the Doha framework agreement and the peace process in Darfur. He also said that the Qatari leadership showed its commitment to work for peace in Darfur region .
DRA chief said that Qatar will soon determine the date of the donors conference which should take place in December, adding that preparatory committees will start their meetings next October.
JEM’S REACTION
On 11 September a group of JEM commanders led by the former general commander Bakheit Abdallah Abdel-Karim (Dabajo) issued a statement to officialise a dissidence they were organizing since one month ago.
The breakaway faction announced the removal of JEM’s leader Gibril Ibrahim and the formation of an interim military council led by Mohamed Bashar Ahmed.
In statement released Thursday, Gibreel Adam Bilal, JEM spokesperson denounced the decision of the splinter group to remove the Movement’s chairman. He said the breakaway faction violates regulatory and institutional frameworks of the rebel group.
He further pointed out that an elected leader cannot be removed by a communiqué, and a reform cannot be implemented though a press statement.
On 9 August JEM leader relieved Dabajo from his position as commander in chief of the rebel group. The decision aimed to limit the influence of the splinters, however the latter have moved out of the group with over 150 vehicles and many fighters and weapons.
(ST)